CM1111 Inorganic Chemistry 1

AY 2012/2013 S1

Group Tutorial 9
Question 1
Explain why the barrier to rotation around the B-N bond in the following aminoboranes
display the trend H2B(NR2) > HB(NR2)2 > B(NR2)3 (barrier to rotation is the energy
required for the bond to rotate).

Question 2
a)

We note that [N3]- is isoelectronic with CO2. Give the other three species that are
also strictly isoelectronic with [N3]- .

b) Reaction of F3NO with strong F- acceptors such as BF3 yields the salts [F2NO]+[BF4]-.
Predict the structure of [F2NO]+ ion and explain the bonding in this species.
c) The structure of N2F4 resembles that of hydrazine. At temperatures above 298K, N2F4
reversibly dissociates into NF2 radical which undergo a wide range of reactions.
For example: NF2 + NO F2NNO
i) Give the structure of N2F4.
ii) Explain the formation of F2NNO and give the Lewis structure of F2NNO.

Question 3:
Suggest a bonding scheme for a hypothetical HSiSiH molecule with the following
geometry. (This is a quite challenging question. It is given to extend the scope of your
understanding about bonding.)